Wales team to play France: 2025 Six Nations
Yesterday at 06:38 AM
Warren Gatland has announced his team to play France at the Stade de France on Friday, 31st January (kick-off 20:15, live on ITV1).
The main talking point, Cardiff Rugby's Evan Lloyd starts for the very first time for Wales. The hooker came off the bench on five occasions last year and played in all of Wales's Summer Tour matches.
Another surprise to the starting lineup is 33-year-old tighthead Henry Thomas, who, like Lloyd, will be making his first start for Wales. Thomas began his international career back in 2023 and in that year he appeared on four occasions.
An Encounter with over 100 years of History
The pair have gone head-to-head since 1908 with a total of 104 matches. Wales have won on 51 occasions and Les Bleus have won 50 with the other three games being draws. However, the last time Wales tasted victory over France was in 2019 at the Oita Stadium, Japan where it finished 20-19.
A New Look Front Row
Ospreys loosehead, Gareth Thomas joins both hooker Lloyd and tighthead Thomas in the front row.
Mix of Young and Old in the Locks
22-year-old Dafydd Jenkins will join 33-year-old Will Rowlands in the second row.
Welcome Return to the Back-Row
Aaron Wainwright is positioned at 8. Captain Jac Morgan drops onto the openside as Cardiff Rugby's James Botham starts at blindside.
New Duo in the Half-Backs
After spending the Autumn Nation Series wearing the number 12 shirt, Ben Thomas joins scrum-half Tomos Williams.
Experienced Centres
Having started together for Wales on four occasions, Owen Watkins gets the nod at inside-centre and Nick Tompkins completes an experienced centre partnership.
Intriguing Back Three
Both experienced Liam Williams and Josh Adam complete are back involved as Scarlets left winger, Tom Rogers earns his sixth cap.
Two Debutants on the Bench
Gatland has opted for the traditional approach on the bench with the likes of Elliot Dee, Nicky Thomas, Freddie Thomas are some of the replacement forwards. Uncapped Dan Edwards is also named in the 23.
Wales Team to play France:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens, 92 Caps)
14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, 59 Caps)
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens, 38 Caps)
12. Owen Watkins (Ospreys, 42 Caps)
11. Tom Rogers (Scarlets, 5 Caps)
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby, 7 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 59 Caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys, 35 Caps)
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby, 2 Caps)
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets, 4 Caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92, 36 Caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs, 8 Caps)
6. James Botham Cardiff Rugby, 16Caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys, 18 Caps ) – Captain
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 52 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons RFC, 51 Caps)
17. Nicky Thomas (Leicester Tigers, 49 Caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby, 10 Caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby, 1 Cap)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers, 23 Caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons RFC, 5 Caps)
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys, Uncapped)
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets, 3 Caps)
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